by kimberlie burkhart kohler · 2016-08-17 · intro/link to video page 3 about wire page 4 about...

1 © 2016 Kimberlie Burkhart Kohler www.KimberlieKohler.com

Emerging Creatively Tutorials

By Kimberlie Burkhart Kohler

www.KimberlieKohler.com

http://www.kimberliekohler.com/



Table of Contents Intro/Link to Video Page 3

About Wire Page 4

About Beads Page 5

Earring Wire Tutorial Page 6

Simple Earrings Tutorial Page 10

Customize these earrings Page 14

Getting Started Checklist Page 17

My favorite Resources Page 18

Make Your Own Headpins Page 19

Additional Resources 0

Terms of Use Page 20



Today I have a special edition of Emerging Creatively Tutorials TV (ECT TV)!

Introduction to Making Earrings!

In this episode you’ll learn everything you need to know to get started with making earrings plus a simple earring tutorial.

Watch the video: http://KimberlieKohler.com/episode71

This eBook is a guide to start making your own earrings! At the end you’ll find a checklist of everything you need, plus my favorite resources for supplies.


http://kimberliekohler.com/episode71


Wire:

The generally accepted gauge of wire for making earring wires is 20 gauge. Since you’re making your own earrings if that feels too thick for you, you can always try 22 gauge and experiment so that you feel comfortable.

You may use other wire when creating earrings that are other gauges as well.

Metal:

If you have sensitivity to metal in your ears, for your earring wires you may need to use sterling silver. (You probably want to practice making earrings wires with less expensive wire before switching over to sterling silver.)

If you don’t have any allergies to metal, you probably can use any wire.

Alternatively, you can simply purchase earring wires at your favorite supply store. Again, if you have metal allergies, look for sterling silver or you may be able to use surgical steal earring wires.



Beads:

The main concern when you’re making earrings is the weight of the earrings. You don’t want anything too heavy that will pull on your ears and be uncomfortable.

If you’re making earrings for yourself, you can make them as heavy as you like, but still be careful not to make them too heavy.

If you’re making earrings for someone else, make them as light as you can.

That being said, using large heavy beads isn’t the best idea for earrings, but use your own judgment. That goes for anything else that you might add to your earrings.

Tutorial to make a simple pair of earrings:

Next I’ll show you how to make a simple pair of earrings. First you’ll find a step-by-step tutorial to make your own earring wires. They’re pretty simple to make, but you don’t have to make your own earring wires. You can buy they already made at a jewelry supply store.



How to Make Earring Wires

Tools and Materials:

20 gauge half-hard, round wire Wire cutters Round nose pliers Chain nose pliers Sharpie or other marker to bend

around Jewelry file Rawhide, nylon or hard plastic

hammer and steel block (optional)

Step #1

Cut 2 pieces of wire approximately 3 inches long. It doesn’t matter exactly how long they are, just that they are exactly the same length.

Step #2

Flush cut both ends of each wire. To make a flush cut use the back of most wire cutters toward the work (or what you’re leaving behind.)



Step #3

Now we’ll make a loop on one end of the wires. You learned how to make a loop in the “3 Tips” as well. Hold the wire in round nose pliers. The wire should be at the top of the pliers, but not poking through. Use the tip of your round nose pliers because we just want to make a small loop.

Step #4

Twist your wrist away from you while wrapping the wire around pliers. When you have twisted as far as your wrist will allow, readjust the wire and pliers and complete the loop. Repeat for the other wire.

Step #5

Bend the wires around a Sharpie or other pen or marker to form a hook. I find it helpful to do both wires at one time so they’re the same.

The end with the loop will be shorter than the other end.



Step #6

Use chain nose pliers to make a bend in the wires approximately at the same spot as the loop on the other side of the hook.

Step #7

Trim off any excess wire making a flush cut.



Step #8

Use a file or burr cup to file the end of the wire so it’s not sharp but rounded.

Step #9

Harden the earring wire with a nylon, rawhide or hard plastic hammer. This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but will make your earring wires sturdier.



Simple Earrings

Now we’ll make a bead dangle to place on the earring wires to make a simple pair of earrings.

Tools and Materials:

Bead Headpin Wire cutters Round nose pliers Chain nose pliers Bent nose pliers

Step #1

Slide a bead onto a headpin.

Hint: Check to see if your bead will stay on the headpin or if the stopper on the headpin is smaller than the hole in your bead. If it slides off, you can either add a smaller bead like a seed bead first and then your larger bead or make your own decorative headpin that will hold the bead on.

(You can find free tutorials at the end of this eBook for decorative headpins such as knotted headpins or spiral headpins. See the checklist and resource list at the end of this eBook.)



Step #2

Hold the headpin approximately ¼ inch above the bead in round nose pliers.

Step #3

Wrap the headpin around your round nose pliers to form a loop.

Step #5

The loop will be off-center. To center it hold the loop in chain nose pliers and wrap around one time while pulling the bead out straight.



Step #5

Make 2 additional wraps keeping them close together and straight.

Step #6

Trim off any excess wire making a flush cut.



Step #7

Use your chain nose pliers to make sure the end isn’t poking out.

Repeat to make a second matching bead dangle.

Step #8

Open an earring wire. To open an earring wire hold the earring wire and open the loop up maintaining the circle.

Step #9

Place the bead dangle in the loop and close it. Repeat for the second earring.



Ways to use this tutorial to make your own

custom earrings:

Make more bead dangles and add 2 – 3 per earring wire.



Use fun beads! (These are paper beads.)

Add more than one bead on the headpin. I stacked disc beads for this pair of earrings.

These earrings have several gemstone beads and use spiral headpins, but it’s the same basic technique.



For these earrings, I used spiral headpins and then added a couple charms to the earring wires as well.

Earrings are a quick way to express yourself and

your creativity.

They don’t take a lot of time to make. You can express your creativity when you’re actually making them. Plus, they have the bonus feature that you can express your creativity when

you’re wearing your one-of-a-kind creations as well. (Plus the bragging rights and confidence building of “Oh, you love these? I

made them!”)

Join in for Earrings Every Day Month (http://kimberliekohler.com/earrings-every-day-month/ )this September and get an inspirational email from me every single day of September to remind you to make your earrings for the day. Plus I’ll send you links to my free earring tutorials from my blog along the way as well.

Or upgrade to Earrings eCourse (http://kimberliekohler.com/shop/ecourses/earrings-ecourse/ )and get a new earring tutorial every single day for all 30 days! (Not the free tutorials from my blog, but new tutorials just for Earrings eCourse.)


http://kimberliekohler.com/earrings-every-day-month/



http://kimberliekohler.com/shop/ecourses/earrings-ecourse/





Get Started Making Earrings Checklist

Tools

□ Wire cutters

□ Round nose pliers

□ Chain nose pliers

□ Bent nose pliers (or other extra pliers to help you wrap)

□ Jewelry file (for earring wires)

□ Rawhide, nylon or hard plastic hammer (for earring wires, optional)

□ Steel block (for earring wires, optional)

□ Sharpie or other marker (for earring wires)

Materials

□ Headpins, 2 inch (or make your own)

□ 20 gauge half-hard round wire (see section in eBook about wire and metal)

□ Beads (see section in eBook about choosing beads)

□ (If you’re not making your own earring wires, you’ll need earring wires)



My favorite Resources: These are my favorite places to get supplies. You can, of course, use your own favorite stores and discover new favorites!

If you have a local independent bead store, I highly recommend starting there!

You may also want to check out craft stores like Michaels, A.C. Moore or Joann. You can usually find a coupon online to print and take to the store. You can shop online at Michaels (http://www.michaels.com/ ) and Joanne’s as well (http://www.joann.com/)

I think it’s a good idea with beads to try to buy them in person at first if at all possible to get an idea of what you’re looking for.

Beads:

Happy Mango Beads: http://www.happymangobeads.com

Fire Mountain Gems: http://www.firemountaingems.com

Thrift stores: You can find loose beads or pick out jewelry to take apart. If you like flea markets or garage sales, keep your eyes open for beads or jewelry to take apart, too!

Wire:

My favorite wire right now is Parawire: http://www.fusionbeads.com/round-parawire

(At Fire Mountain Gems they have Zebra Wire. I haven’t used it, but it seems similar to Parawire.)

You can use artist wire you find at jewelry supply stores to get started.

Silver wire: http://www.fusionbeads.com/round-sterling-silver-half-hard-wire

Fire Mountain Gems: http://www.firemountaingems.com/shop/sterling_silver-wire_wrapping_wire?navsrc=top_1_SterlingSilverWire&T=T1B


http://www.michaels.com/

http://www.joann.com/

http://www.happymangobeads.com/

http://www.firemountaingems.com/

http://www.fusionbeads.com/round-parawire

http://www.fusionbeads.com/round-sterling-silver-half-hard-wire

http://www.firemountaingems.com/shop/sterling_silver-wire_wrapping_wire?navsrc=top_1_SterlingSilverWire&T=T1B

http://www.firemountaingems.com/shop/sterling_silver-wire_wrapping_wire?navsrc=top_1_SterlingSilverWire&T=T1B


Tools:

If you are a beginner, I recommend you start with inexpensive tools and then upgrade as you learn what tools you use the most.

You can usually find a set of jewelry making tools at stores like Michaels or Joann and use their weekly coupon (usually 40% off!) to get it on discount. You can order these online, too if you don’t have these stores nearby.

Look for a set with the basics you’ll need: Wire cutters, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and bent nose pliers are your best bet.

Most of my tools are from Rio Grande (this is a good set: https://www.riogrande.com/Product/slim-six-piece-pliers-and-cutters-set/111826 and you can find a whole variety of tool sets here: https://www.riogrande.com/category/tools-and-equipment/pliers-and-cutters/pliers/pliers-sets/

I love Tronex tools, but they’re pretty pricy.

My hammers and steel block are from Michaels, Beadalon brand. They are inexpensive and get the job done.

You can get started with a simple, inexpensive set from a craft store.

Make Your Own Headpins Open spiral and knotted headpins: http://kimberliekohler.com/8375/episode34/

Infinity headpin: http://kimberliekohler.com/8362/charm-week-day-1-infinity-headpin-bead-dangle-charm/

Ornate headpins: http://kimberliekohler.com/8202/episode33/


https://www.riogrande.com/Product/slim-six-piece-pliers-and-cutters-set/111826

https://www.riogrande.com/category/tools-and-equipment/pliers-and-cutters/pliers/pliers-sets/

https://www.riogrande.com/category/tools-and-equipment/pliers-and-cutters/pliers/pliers-sets/

http://kimberliekohler.com/8375/episode34/

http://kimberliekohler.com/8362/charm-week-day-1-infinity-headpin-bead-dangle-charm/

http://kimberliekohler.com/8362/charm-week-day-1-infinity-headpin-bead-dangle-charm/

http://kimberliekohler.com/8202/episode33/


More Resources:

My website is full of jewelry tutorials, jewelry making tips and posts about creativity:

http://KimberlieKohler.com

If you make this project and share it on Instagram or Twitter, please use the hashtag

#ECTTV and you can follow me: @KimberlieKohler

Or on Twitter: @KimberlieKohler

Or you can post a photo on my Facebook page:

http://Facebook.com/EmergingCreativelyTutorials

Or click over to the post about this project http://kimberliekohler.com/episode71

and click “reply” and leave a comment and you can also upload a photo of your

project there.

Terms of Use:

You do not have permission to share this tutorial or any portion of this tutorial

without my express written permission. I consider requests on a case-by-case basis.

You do not have permission to use this tutorial on your blog, on your website,

anywhere online or in your book or magazine in any form without my expression

written permission. If you would like to share on your blog, simply ask me and then

make sure to link back to my original post. Other requests are considered on a case-

by-case basis.

You do not have my permission to teach this tutorial in workshops or in any other way

without my express written permission. I consider requests on a case-by-case basis.

You may use any jewelry you make from this tutorial in any way you wish with credit

to me and my website for the design or the inspiration for any piece that you are

selling. (You may make for personal use and gifts without credit.)

An example of how you could do this:

“This piece was inspired by Kimberlie Kohler’s original jewelry design

KimberlieKohler.com.”


http://kimberliekohler.com/

http://facebook.com/EmergingCreativelyTutorials

http://kimberliekohler.com/episode71


If you are confused or have any questions about how you may use this tutorial or how

to properly credit me, please just send me an email and I’ll clear it up.

[email protected]

© 2016 Kimberlie Kohler, Emerging Creatively Tutorials

Rediscover and express your creativity through making jewelry.

www.KimberlieKohler.com



by kimberlie burkhart kohler · 2016-08-17 · intro/link to video page 3 about wire page 4 about...

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